---
layout: "docs"
page_title: "Storage Backends - Configuration"
sidebar_current: "docs-configuration-storage"
description: |-
  A storage backend represents the location for the durable storage of Vault's
  information. Each backend has pros, cons, advantages, and trade-offs. For
  example, some backends support high availability while others provide a more
  robust backup and restoration process.
---

# Storage Backends

A storage backend represents the location for the durable storage of Vault's
information. Each backend has pros, cons, advantages, and trade-offs. For
example, some backends support high availability while others provide a more
robust backup and restoration process. For information about a specific backend,
choose one from the navigation on the left.

## Configuration

Storage backend configuration is done through the Vault configuration file using
the `storage` stanza:

```hcl
storage [NAME] {
  [PARAMETERS...]
}
```

For example:

```hcl
storage "file" {
  path = "/mnt/vault/data"
}
```

For configuration options which also read an environment variable, the
environment variable will take precedence over values in the configuration
file.